The Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP) is an enlisted to officer commissioning program designed to provide outstanding enlisted Marines the opportunity to serve as Marine Corps officers. The MECEP is governed by MCO 1560.15L and is designed for highly qualified active duty Marines who possess a minimum of 3 credits of entry level math or science, 3 credits of entry level English, and 6 credits of any other courses for a total of 12 credit hours (excluding non-traditional credit, CLEP, and SMART credits) toward a baccalaureate degree and seek a commission. Marines must be between age 20 and 26 and upon acceptance to the program, you will attend Officers Candidates School for 10-weeks prior to arriving a NROTC affiliated college or university to complete your baccalaureate degree.  Upon attainment of your degree, you will be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps.

MECEP Life at Marquette University

As an active duty Marine at Marquette, you will be a member of the NROTC unit and will fall under the leadership of the Marine Officer Instructor (MOI) and Assistant Marine Officer Instructor (AMOI).  MECEP Marines will typically take 15 credit hours during a semester in a degree program of your choice, however, while in the MECEP program, by regulations you are required to complete Naval Science courses.   As an active duty Marine and a member of the NROTC unit, you are expected to set the example for the rest of the Midshipmen in the unit.  You will have the opportunity to serve in platoon, company, and battalion leadership positions. And you will have the opportunity to mentor, coach, and participate in unit activities such as the Color Guard and unit fund raisers.

While in the MECEP program, you will attend your college courses in civilian attire except for the designated uniform of the day once a week.  You will also be expected to attend certain events that are held during the week in which we assemble as a battalion to conduct training and activities.  These events include Naval Lab, during which we conduct professional military education, annual training, uniform inspections, and drill.  Marine Physical Training and Battalion Physical Training are others events that are held during the week that will require your attendance.

As an active duty member, you qualify for the GI Bill and can utilize it to pay for your education here.  Here at Marquette Univeristy and our affiliates, you will be granted in-state tuition, which is a tremendous savings for the active duty student. Additionally, Financial Aid may be available to you and you may qualify for grants and/or loans.

Contact the MOI or AMOI for more information.

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